Black truffle heaven is this southern French town with Templar ruins

When it comes to choosing a destination where you can enjoy unique gastronomy, history and folklore, France is one of the most outstanding options in European territory. The neighboring country of Spain, due to its border with the Pyrenees, is an ideal alternative not only for the wonders it offers, but also for its proximity to the peninsula, which makes it an option to take into account when from planning a last minute getaway.

The south of the French country is also known for its culinary culture and its natural spaces, which allow you to discover waterfalls, hiking routes and ancient buildings still preserved. The town of Richerenches, located in the Vaucluse department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is one of these unique enclaves which amaze each of its visitors.

History of Richerenches

If the enclave retains vestiges of previous periods, the greatest heritage preserved in the commune of Richerenches dates from the time of the Templars. Thus, founded by a commission of this organization in 1136, the space still retains vestiges of its marked medieval past.

Thus, several of the buildings on the site were built under the direction of the Order, which can still be enjoyed today. An example of the regency of Richerenches by the Templars was the basis of its economy, which for many years was distinguished by its crops – mainly wheat – and by the breeding of horses and sheep, the former intended mainly for domestic use. military.

When the Order of the Templars was dissolved at the Council of Vienna in 1308, the lands were ceded to the Hospitallers, but they became the property of Pope John XXII in June 1317. From then until the present day, the space has been nourished by different historical, artistic and religious constructions.

The gastronomy of Richerenches

One of the strong points of the commune of Richerenches is its gastronomy: the enclave is known throughout France as “the capital of truffles” due to the high quality production of this food which takes place on the outskirts of the city.

In this way, throughout the enclave it is possible to taste excellent preparations that combine tradition and typically French cuisine, also using this very special ingredient. The one called in Latin as Tuber melanosporumis in the spotlight everywhere in Richerenches in a wide variety of haute cuisine dishes and events dedicated to its consumption.

The town even has its own museum dedicated to exhibiting the origin and method of collecting this unique food. It is possible to learn everything about what we call “rabasse” in Provence or “black diamond” in Spanish, during a two-hour tour through a vaulted stone room.

There you will be able to benefit not only from information on the black truffle, but also on the grape varieties, the truffle oaks and other elements that you can discover through interactive elements, explanatory posters and period objects which nourish the visit and make it enjoyable for all audiences. .

Landmarks in Richerenches

The town of Richerenches has a varied heritage in which both civil and religious buildings stand out. Thus, throughout the territory, it is possible to enjoy several buildings such as the Templar commandery of Richerenches, a former Templar commandery-hospital from the 12th century, considered to be the oldest in all of Provence although it is today in ruins.

Likewise, it is also possible to visit other buildings such as the Chamber of Notaries, located in the center of the city and classified as a historic monument since December 28, 1984. In addition, throughout the city it is also possible to enjoy the emblematic bell tower and the papal markers, small stone pivots which demarcate the border between the territories of Dauphiné and the north of the Vaucluse department.

On the other hand, Richerenches has several religious monuments, mainly due to its Templar past. In this way it is possible to enjoy several Christian buildings throughout the enclave, among the most notable are: